14 More days?!?!?! Holy Man!!!

Is it me or has someone turned on the time accelerator! Only 14 more days until Christmas - WOW!! Well I've got most of my shopping done - only my mom, Jacob and Joey left. Who am I kidding - the only person I've shopped for is my dad and he's super easy :) We draw names between the sisters (and brother in law) since there are so many of us and I got Joey. He's not hard though - he just wants a gift card to Gander Mountain. Pretty sure he's gonna have to settle for a Visa gift card ;-) but it'll work too.

So what have I been up to lately.

Well, over the best Thanksgiving in the past several years I made this for my parents. I literally painted all day from morning til after dark - dad had to get a spot light for me. I already had it cut out so all I needed to do was paint it. My family felt bad cause they thought I was "stuck" out there painting - but it was one of the things I loved most about my time. The weeks prior had been so jammed pack with one thing after another, after another, after another that to just sit and empty my mind for an entire day - knowing that my family was all there with me - well just calling it the best Thanksgiving in a long time doesn't do it justice. I got to paint, be with my family for some good quality time of enjoying each other, GREAT food, and movie watching . . .. well I could go on and on but I'll stop with telling you it was the best Thanksgiving in a REALLY long time!!

What else. . . .

Honestly I can't even remember the last things I've blogged about - hold on I'll be right back. Apparently I've already devoted a whole post to how great my Thanksgiving was -sorry - but this time you get pictures :)

This week we've had a girl from our sister company in the the UK over and she wanted to go to some plays while she's here. Last night was the first of the two - A Christmas Carol. Next week we go to The Sound of Music. It was a great night - good conversation - well a lot of her talking and me listening to her accent :) , cold cold weather as we walked around to let her take pictures of everything, dinner at Hard Rock Cafe, and then front row seats for the play. It was GREAT!!! I'll post pictures later - have to wait until she sends them to me.

No news yet on the internship. I'm filling out the application today. I've continued to pray for a peace - which honestly I think I've always had, so then I prayed that if I'm not supposed to go that God would take away that peace. There've been several things come up that have tested me - but it always comes back to knowing that this is what God has called me to - and what he orders he pays for. (I know I say that alot - and part of that is me being responsible with what he's given me and not thinking a magical bucket of money is going to fall in my lap - but still - that peace is there so I keep moving one step at a time.) Application today, support letter (hopefully) today and then see what tomorrow brings.

I know I've unloaded a lot this morning - but I guess that's what happens when it's weeks between posts. Sorry friends :)

OOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!! How in the WORLD could I forget snow day!! Seriously people - I must have gone done lost my MIND!!!!!

Unfortunately I had to work a full day but I still got to go out and "play" in the snow. Over where my sister was it snowed a lot more and more was stuck to the ground - but I was happy with what I got!! Oh and another pic to post later - the little snowman someone at my apartment made from the snow from 5 different cars :) it was 2 feet tall and waaay cute.

Ok for real now - I'm done. You guys have a great Friday and a GREAT week!!!!

21 More Days

Hi people.

It's not like I've been avoiding posting - I promise. I just have so much running through my mind - that if I started I would never stop and this would be one stinkin long novel.

First I want to say a big thank you for all my prayer warriors praying for the two families I mentioned earlier that had such devastating times at Thanksgiving. I can't even begin to imagine what the families are going through right now but continue to pray that those involved would run to the Great Healer instead of running from Him.

Second, I want to give you a little glimpse into what has been on my heart. All of you know that my heart is no longer complete, but that pieces of it are in Russia held by Oksana, Vageef and Jenya, and SO many more! I believe that I wrote on here before about a possible one month internship, well it looks like it's most likely going to happen, God willing. I would leave for the mission trip with my church and then just stay there and wait for the interns to come. The catch is that I'd have to come back 4 days early - but that's still about a month with them, meeting new children, and learning what it would be like to possibly be there full time.

Please continue to pray with me as I seek out what God's path is for me and that I would not impose my own desires and pray that he would bless those. I know that if this is really going to happen (financially, work approval. . . ect) than it's only because he's called me. As a missionary once said (at least I think it was) what God orders he pays for. So I have complete faith that if God is calling me to this and I'm truly seeking after Him than he'll be found and will make the way.

So that's what's been stirring up in my mind. I'm sure that now I've broken the dam I'll be back more and more to unload and process. thanks again to all my friends who I know are out there praying!

23 More days

"I believe in Christianity as I believe the sun has risen, not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else."
- C.S. Lewis

24 more days!

Well happy December people. We are finally in the actual Christmas month - hard to believe. You made it this far through the year, not much longer and it'll be time for 2010!

There's much weighing on my heart - but first I want to give praise to God! He is a mighty working God and a God of healing. Never in my wildest dreams growing up did I think I could enjoy my family.

If I'm being raw with my blogger friends - there was even a time I ran away because that's how much I wanted to be away from my mother. Now I'm not talking running away around the block with suitcases full of dolls and their clothes (nothing but the clothes on my back for me and my sister) - though we did do that when we were younger. Nope - I'm talking high school. My mom and I were like oil and water. Well more like oil and fire. One little thing would set us off and not much would squelch it until it had all burned out. (could it be that we are more alike than I had ever wanted to admit. . .hmmmm).

All that to say, this past weekend was amazing!!! I went up to my parents new place in Austin. They have an incredible new house, with an amazing view - but really it wasn't about the house- it was about who was in it. My family. I deeply, truly love my family. It's like I'm now trying to make up for all the times I was an idiot with them. I look forward to spending time with them, talking with them, and laughing with them like I don't laugh with anyone else, about stuff that's never as funny when talking with people who aren't family. One of my favorite moments was when we where all sitting on the couch (well Susanna had already left) - so my parents, me (27), Rach (29) Sarah (30) - watching Bednobs and Broomsticks - a movie mind you that we hadn't seen since we were kids - but there we were quoting and singing along like no time had passed since the last time we'd seen it. My mom was rolling about the fact that 3 of her grown children were sitting here watching a kids movie (that my DAD changed the channel to mind you) and were singing and quoting.

Great, great weekend - and all thanks to God's healing power.

Now claiming that same healing power, God I come before you and lift up two families. Families that over the Thanksgiving holidays were struck with murder and suicide. One family that I don't know- but I do know that there are young kids involved, and one family that I'm very close with relatives of - and know that several people were shot and killed by a family member - one of them a little girl. God I come asking for your healing power on all those who are involved - the kids, the survivors, those who may blame themselves, those who faith may falter because they put their faith in someone other than you. These were two completely different incidents but with the same tragic ending. Only you - the great physician and healer can put the families and those involved back together. Lord, let them turn to you in their grief and not away from you as it's sometimes so easy to do. Let them allow the healing and grieving process begin. Remind them that they aren't always going to find the reasons why something like this can and does happen - but assure them and send people to surround them that will assure them that this doesn't come from you.

God I thank you that your people - your children rallied on Sunday to be there for a grieving church family. It was amazing to see so many people who were ready on the spot to serve in any way possible to allow a grieving church to be together and have a time of questioning, grieving, and then begin healing. I thank you that even amidst all the unbelievably horrid things that have happened you remain faithful and you remain holy, and just the fact that you remain. You are. You have been. You will be.

Thank you!

(I know that many of you may have questions about what's gone on - I don't have the answers, and the ones that I do have I'm not at liberty to share. If you could please just pray for two nameless families - both struck by horrible horrible incidents this thanksgiving. Thank you for your prayers!)

30 more days!!!

Man I love this time of year!!! I love the weather - well what the weather SHOULD be, but really I love the FOOD!! Like this lovely gem that I made for work.

Monkey Bread (this time I used dark brown sugar so it's even more delish!)

It's ooey gooey, yummy, caramelly, and divine!!!

Have I mentioned I love this time of year?!?!?!

Still 31 more days

I made the comment on Sunday that it seems like all I do these days at church is cry. This week again I was broken for my sisters - this time was as torturous as the last though I didn't have quite the reaction I did last time. I think I was prepared for it to hit - never-the-less the reality doesn't change and neither does the pain.

I pleaded with God over and over until only the Spirit could interpret my groans before the throne. I had no more words other than - God - please God, please God - over and over. Pleading for the mercy that none of us deserve and yet he gives. Pleading for a revelation in their lives so that they do not become as Lazarus crying out for just one drop of water and then when reality sinks in asking for a miracle to tell his brothers so that they do not have to suffer the same agony.

So again God I come before you, with the prayers of those reading this, do what you must to bring my sisters to you - either for the first time or back again. Whatever it takes God - they are in so much pain right now because they feel that they deserve whatever punishment they feel they've heaped on themselves - and while that is true - there are always consequences for actions be they good or bad - NO ONE is beyond redemption, no one is beyond forgiveness, no one is beyond your love. God woo them back into your arms where they can be loved like they deserve. Please God.

31 More days

My pastor talked about hell on Sunday - something that most pastors in America don't talk about because it's not "seeker friendly". But funny thing - Jesus spoke about hell more than anyone else in the bible. Neil said something that made so much sense, he said when people/preachers lose confidence in the bible they make up their own theories. That's why you have preachers saying that the punishment of hell only lasts for a time and then that person ceases to exist - a lie. That's why you have crazy ladies saying that "their" god could NEVER let anyone go to hell - or claim to know the inmost thoughts of the Almighty. but enough with my ramblings about the sermon - go listen to the pod cast :)

I will leave you with a quote from a person - whom I believe was T.S. Eliot (Marcie, Laura, Neil - a little help please)

"I had rather walk as I do, in daily terror of eternity, than feel this was only a children's game in which all contestants get equally meaningless prizes at the end."

32 more days

Time is flying waaaayy faster than it normally does - even for me. These last two weeks have been a blur for me - as you can probably assess from my lack of posting - I've been CRAZY busy at work and away from work.

Quick run down - I had 3 luncheons to prepare for - 2 of the three were labor intensive on top of all my normal work. All the preparations that go into decorating (and not the cheap-o kind of stuff- no no - the good stuff - ironing required on the table cloths kind of stuff). Scheduling travel for my people to go to China, fixing things for them while they were in Australia - again - on top of all the added/normal work stuff.

At home, apart from work I was working on Christmas ornaments for my mom and friend (which they all turned out GREAT), and 6 yard art pieces - one for Thanksgiving. .

So all that to say - hopefully this week I'll be able to post a little more and remind all of us (myself included) daily about how quickly Christmas is approaching!!!

Love you all!

TODAY there's only 36 day's left.

Don't know what I was thinking before. . .

Anyhoo - again - don't have much time but I wanted you all to know that it's finished!!!! YAY!

37 More days - **Updated**

This is progress from last night. I know it doens't look like much - but it really is :-)

One of the 4 things keeping me so busy (at least apart from work that is!!)

It's a work in progress - but I think it's pretty cool to see the difference between the before, middle and final!

You ever do something and are so grateful for the gifts that God gives you? That's how I feel with painting. I stand back and thank God every time because I KNOW that it doesn't come from me. Only he can be that great.

Sorry the pictures' a little wonky - I took it with my camera phone.

Are you ready for this!!!

I don't have much time - but there are only 10 days until Thanksgiving and 39 until Christmas!!!!!

People - where has the time gone!!!!!!!

44 More days

You can't always judge the season by the stores - heck they'll soon be keeping the seasonal stuff all year long!!!

But when you see that every other commercial is a christmas commercial you know you're getting close!

Woo hoo - can't wait!

49 more days

Don't really have time this morning to post so it's going to be short - ha

Tell me how this is - I'M the one with the countdown and yet I lost track of the time and now have to scramble this weekend!!!!

Mainly it's a Thanksgiving deadline which is in 20 days - little over 2 weeks!!! HELLO!!

Anyways this weekend should look like this:
Work until 4
Go home and change into work clothes (manual labor work clothes I mean)
Run to Wal-Mart or Hobby Lobby to get the paint I'm going to need this weekend to paint a manger scene, angel and star - and paint pens as well as glass ornaments for an order for my mom and friend.
Run to Home Depot and get plywood, and metal poles, along with the hardware for the backs.

Then it's home to either clean or start and finish the ornaments - either way they're getting done tonight

Tomorrow it's going over the GPs (grandparents) to use their backyard to trace and cut out the pieces, lunch for Grandparents day and then home to start painting those pieces. I don't know if I'll be able to finish - I think I will in one day but we'll see. Depends on when I get home from their house.

As always plans are likely to change - but what must get accomplished in any order:
Painted ornaments - completed
cut out and painted yard art
dessert for the GPs and lunch with them

So there you have it folks. Don't expect an update over the weekend but I think I will be posting pics once it's all done.

Peace out bloggers

Still 50 days . . .

I need your help.

I checked this out, and it's not a scam. Snopes site here

You all know how much I love Christmas - well this little boy loves it too and his wish before his cancer claims his life is to have Christmas early - by receiving Christmas cards. Something so easy and cheap - ANYONE can do it! Here's the story.

Please help me flood this little boy with love. His name is Noah Biorkman, he's only 5-years-old, and he's in the last stages of a 2 1/2 year fight with cancer. :( He's not expected to live much longer, so their family is celebrating Christmas early. And what does he want most of all? - Christmas cards! That is more than do-able for every single one of us. Please, as soon as possible (preferably today), buy or make a Christmas card for this little one, and send it to:
Noah Biorkman,
1141 Fountain View Circle,
South Lyon, MI 48178.

And don't forget to pray for him and his sweet family. ♥

50 more days!!!

We're halfway through our countdown people!!! 50 more shopping days until Christmas - and for those whose mouths are watering for the yumminess of; turkey, dressing, stuffing, green bean casserole, and dinner monkey bread - heck - breakfast monkey bread for that matter. . . . there are only 21 more days until the Thanksgiving Day Parade and Thanksgiving food!!! Mmmmm. . . .my favorite meal of the entire year.

Follow if you can my train of thought here. Time flies so fast for me, always has. School flew, thankfully (was not a fan of school), and my years seem to slip by.

Time.

Moving from childhood, to young adult, to grown adult . . . when does that actually happen?

I mean don't get me wrong I know that I'm not a child (though I might still act like it sometimes), and I realize that I'm no longer a teen (haven't been that for years) but when do you actually move from young adult to adult?

I was thinking about this yesterday when a good friend of mine made the comment that I'm not a junior member of the mission team at my church. It's true - I still think of myself as that youth/young adult who always helped out where ever she could but was never really considered an adult - ok - so maybe that is a self imposed thought - but really - what constitutes being an adult.

Dictionary.com says that an adult is:
a person who is fully grown or developed or of age.

Doesn't help to much - nothing concrete there. What does of age mean? Of age to smoke, drink - not that I do either.

Are you considered an adult when you marry or when you have kids (that can't be right when there are 15 year olds having kids). Are you an adult when you feel like you are one, or when society treats you like one. Are you an adult when you start behaving like one, when you start making large purchases like a car or house. Are you an adult when you have so much debt you can't breath. Are you considered an adult when you stop shooting milk out of your nose even if you still blow bubbles in it (not that I would EVER do either of those things - I'm just sayin)

What about moving from girl to woman? When does that happen. Again is it when you marry, or have kids.

The best place to go for answers is ALWAYS scripture and as you've probably guess I went to the Proverbs Woman:

Scripture says that a Godly woman (Proverbs 31)

The Woman Who Fears the LORD

10 An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.

(Ok - so she's a wife )

11The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.

(she is trustworthy)

12She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.

(treats her husband with respect)

13She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands.

(hard worker)

14She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar.

(hard worker)

15She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household

(hard worker - I'm seeing a pattern here!)

and portions for her maidens.

(She is generous)

16She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.

(she's not dependant on her husband for everything - yet what she earns goes for her family)

17She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong.

(confident and strong)

18She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night.

(again she's not lazy)

19She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle.

(while her vineyard is growing and she can't do anything else - she find another way to provide)

20She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.

(giving)

21She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet

(this one I don't really understand . .. help?)

22She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple.

(she treats herself with respect)

23Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land.

(she married a good man)

24She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant.

(Man - this chick is always working!)

25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.

(strong woman)

26She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

(wise but not boastful. Teaching suggests she doesn't push her wisdom on others)

27She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

(hard worker)

28Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:

29"Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all."

(her family respects her)

30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

(sorry - but can't help but think of the DC Talk song EVERY time I read this)

(she fears the Lord)

31Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.

(she gets credit for what she has accomplished)

So the thing that repeats to me over and over is "hard worker" - at least that's what I got out of it.

I think after all this what it comes down to is a mixture of things and not one thing by itself. I think it's a combination of personal strength and mind set, the way a person; carries themselves, think and behave. I think that as they mature the devious childish things no longer hold the appeal that they once did, and they aren't afraid to still take part in the fun loving childish things. I don't think it's dependant on marriage or having children - though those things surely can cause one to "grow up" more quickly than someone who isn't and hasn't.

So world - at the age of 27, as someone who is unmarried and doesn't have kids - I can say with confidence that I am a grown woman. I will no longer refer to myself as a baby (which I tend to do at work or around certain groups of people) and I will step up to the responsibilities that I have with confidence knowing that I was chosen to take them on because those who chose me knew that I could handle it.

Funny - I don't feel any different ;)